Bell RP-63A: Had armor and armament removed. A tough aluminum skin was added to the wings, fuselage, tail, and canopy. Firing aircraft fired frangible bullets. If a hit was scored a red light on the spinner would blink giving the aircraft the nickname "Pinball." 100 P-63As converted.

Bell RP-63C: Had armor and armament removed. A tough aluminum skin was added to the wings, fuselage, tail, and canopy. Firing aircraft fired frangible bullets. If a hit was scored a red light on the spinner would blink giving the aircraft the nickname "Pinball." Allison engine was water injected.

Bell RP-63G: Had armor and armament removed. A tough aluminum skin was added to the wings, fuselage, tail, and canopy. Firing aircraft fired frangible bullets. If a hit was scored a red light on the spinner would blink giving the aircraft the nickname "Pinball."

Usage

Countries Using P-63s

France (P-63C: 114) , Soviet Union (P-63A: 1,386, total: 2,376), United Kingdom and the United States used the P-63. However, the United States never used it in combat, only as a trainer or a target aircraft.

The US Army Air Force decided it wasn't advanced enough and around 2,400 / 2,421 P-63s were shipped to Russia. Around 300 went to the Free French forces. One was sent to the RAF.

Korea

There were some reports by United Nations' pilots that they encountered P-63s flown by North Koreans. They were code named "Fred" by NATO.

Indo China

The French Armée de l'Air flew 5 squadrons of P-63C Kingcobras in Indo China.